Mottainai Japanese Perspectives on nonwasteful Tendencies Rose Alexandra

もったいない Mottainai: Japanese Perspectives on nonwasteful Tendencies Rose Alexandra Buchberg Advisors: Dr. Shigeko Sekine, Dr. Yoshiko Saito-Abbott Spring 2013

Outline • • • Abstract Significance of Study Research Questions Research Background Research Method Research Findings Conclusion Discussion Bibliography Acknowledgements

Abstract The term “mottainai” has been present in the Japanese lexicon for hundreds of years; it is best translated into English as “Don’t Waste. ” While studying abroad in Japan, I came to recognize how Japanese people live with a sense of respect for life and nature and take care not to waste anything. I noticed mottainai was used in many different situations, physical or noetic. This capstone investigates the origins of the term “mottainai” and explores how its meaning and application has changed over time. Through a survey of 100+ Japanese respondents, it examines how different generations make decisions based on this idea of “not wasting. ” The results show that generation plays an important role in determining how “mottainai” is used: the post-war generation pays more attention to not wasting physical things such as food, the bubble generation feels the same but less strongly, and post-bubble generation tends to save money and using chances in this era of economic decline.

Significance of Study • When I was living in Japan I noticed that most Japanese people have a sense of respect for life and nature. • My Japanese friend introduced me to the term "mottainai, " or "don't waste" in English, I became interested in the way “mottainai” influences the way Japanese people think. • The idea of “mottainai” resonates in my own life. • This will help me to better understand how Japanese people interact with each other and the world around them.

Research Questions 1) In what situational context is the word “mottainai” used? 1) How can the idea of “mottainai” influence actions in everyday life? 3) How is “mottainai” used by different generations?

Research Background Outline • Etymology of “mottainai” • Origin of the concept. • Japanese lifestyle based on “mottainai”. • Concept of “mottainai” in modern culture. • Brief history of postwar, bubble and post-bubble

Etymology of “mottainai” • ”This spirit has come from the worship of the 8 million ‘kami’s (gods) who live in the forest. • ‘Mottai’ is the substance existing in nature, and the Japanese people traditionally worshiped the ‘mottai’ as the gift from the ‘kami’. ” (Iwatskuki, 2008) • “The spirit of the Japanese people prior to the entry of Buddhism can be characterized as a mode of 'natural' affirmation” (Matsunaga, 1966)

Origin of The Concept of “Mottainai” • ‘Nai’ means ‘none’, ‘not’ or ‘absence’. • The meaning of ‘mottainai’ became extended and simply expressed ‘wasteful’. • Modern Japanese usually say ‘mottainai’ when someone consumes materials without any purpose, or throws away materials that are still useful. ” (Iwatsuki, 2008)

Japanese Lifestyle Based on “Mottainai” • Unique ecosystem that has been maintained through agriculture, forestry and fisheries and other human activities. (spacealc, 2013) • Satoyama zone is not found in any place outside Japan. • [Satoyama is] the result of the general Japanese population, working throughout its long history in harmonious co-existence with nature. . (Iwatsuki, 2008)

Japanese Lifestyle Based on “Mottainai” cont’d • Local governments require trash separation – Different Categories of Trash/Recycling Cans • cans • pet bottles • glass bottles • paper products • plastic • clothes • metal • aerosol bottles (City of Yokohama) * Wash all containers, separate materials and dispose on designated day

Concept of “Mottainai” in Modern Culture • “My Chopsticks” Movement - People bring their own chopsticks to restaurants to avoid using disposable ones (Manger, 2009) • Toy Hospital in Tokyo: - Fixes favorite toys of children (Chiba, 2002)

Mottainai in Modern Culture Cont’d “Mottainai Grandma” • Book that teaches kids about not wasting supplies and food (NPR, 2007) Mottainai Obake • From a series of animated PSAs from the 80 s the that taught children about manners and not wasting food

“Mottainai” as a global word Wangari Maathai (1940 -2011) • • Discovered the notion of “mottainai” when visiting Japan Used it to promote sustainability in Africa Maathai added "R”, "repair” to the three Rs: reduce, reuse, and recycle. Started “Mottainai Campaign” after 2005 Kyoto Protocol, international agreement linked to the UN to promote Climate Change

Post-war, Bubble and Modern Times • (1950 s-70 s) Immediately after the WWII, life was poor and food scarce. During the 60 s: color TV and A/C became commodities. (Hello School) • (1980 s-90 s) The Bubble Economy was an era of extravagance and conspicuous consumption. ” e. g. $500 cups of coffee and tens of thousands of dollars spent at night clubs (Johnston, 2009) • (2000 s) Post Bubble Japan: low birthrate, new graduates can’t easily find work, and everyone is fixated on saving money. (Driscoll, 2007)

Research Method • Study Participants (112 total) • Japanese University Students： 46 • Japanese Adults (non student) to age 35： 45 • Japanese Adults (non student) age 35+： 21 • Research Instrument – Google Docs Online Survey – Facebook, Line

Survey Results: Background 1 When did you first hear the word “mottainai”? Kindergarten 71% 17% Elementary School Middle School High School 3% 0% 10% Other 0 20 40 60 80 100 • The idea of “mottainai” is usually taught in kindergarten or before

Survey Results: Background 2 When is the last time you heard the word “mottainai”? 22% Today 3 days ago 35% Within the last week 26% 1 week ago 15% Other 2% 0 20 40 60 • People frequently hear the word “mottainai. ” 80 100

Survey Results: Background 3 How many times a day do you say “mottainai”? 1% 1% 4% 29% 1 -3 times 65% 10+ 7 ~ 10 4~6 1~3 0 • More than 70% of Japanese people use “mottainai” daily

Research Question 1 • In what situational context is the word mottainai used? The following stories were used to give and gauge context

Research Question 1: Story 1 STORY 1: AKIRA KOBAYASHI (40 year old Japanese male) • Went to Harvard for Study Abroad • Became fluent and won award • Went back to Japan, graduated and moved to rural, northern Japan to become Elderly Aid • Forgot English

Survey Results Story 1 a It is “mottainai” for Akira to have studied so hard and forgotten everything. 57% Strongly Agree 21% Neutral 16% Disagree 5% Strongly Disagree 1% 0 20 40 60 80 100 • More than 78% of Japanese people thought it was “mottainai”.

Survey Results Story 1 b Akira is happy with his life even though he doesn’t use his Harvard experience. The time spent at Harvard is “mottainai. ” Strongly Agree 3% Agree 4% Neutral 9% Disagree 21% Strongly Disagree 63% 0 20 40 60 80 100 • 83% don’t think Akira’s experience is “mottainai” because he is happy.

Research Question 1: Story 2 STORY 2: Junya and Noriko • 26 year old Junya is a wealthy, badly dressed and greasy-haired salary man with a nice personality • 23 year old Noriko is a kind and cute woman who is seen, by Junya, helping a lost child in Ueno Park • Junya feels compelled to ask Noriko on a date • Noriko rejects Junya’s advance.

Survey Results Story 2 a Junya is wealthy, so Noriko turning him down is “mottainai. ” Strongly Agree 7% Agree 15% Neutral 21% Disagree 24% Strongly Disagree 32% 0 20 40 60 80 100 • More than half believe Noriko shouldn’t date Junya just because he is wealthy.

Survey Results Story 2 b Beautiful Noriko has a great personality. Noriko being single is “mottainai. ” Strongly Agree 15% Agree 26% Neutral 28% 20% Disagree Strongly Disagree 12% 0 20 40 60 80 • More people believe that Noriko’s single status is “mottainai” than those who do not. 100

Research Question 1: Story 3 STORY 3: The shrine in Shinjuku • There is a small shrine in a tiny park in Shinjuku, Tokyo • It is not old nor famous, but it is very beautiful • The city government wants to demolish the shrine and build a parking lot • The neighborhood residents protest the city’s action

Survey Results Story 3 a Although it holds no fame, tearing down something beautiful is “mottainai. ” Strongly Agree 50% Agree 37% Neutral 9% Disagree 2% Strongly Disagree 2% 0 20 40 60 80 100 • 87% believe it is “mottainai” to destroy something beautiful.

Survey Results Story 3 b Spending so much time to save such a small thing is “mottainai. ” Strongly Agree 8% 5% Agree Neutral 22% Disagree 34% 30% Strongly Disagree 0 20 40 60 80 100 • 64% believe it is not waste of time to save the beautiful shrine.

Summary of Findings 1 • Working hard for knowledge and losing it is “mottainai” • If the result is personal happiness, prior experience is not “mottainai” • Money isn’t everything • Looks (impressions) matter • Spending time to preserve beauty is not “mottainai”

Research Question 2 • How can the idea of “mottainai” influence actions in everyday life?

Survey Results 2 a Physical Matter I consider “mottainai” when… 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 86% Agree Neutral Disagree 7% 7% Throwing Away Usable Object 6% 8% Leftovers • 86% of people believe physically wasting items such as usable objects or food is “mottainai. ”

Survey Results 2 b Money (Necessary Items) I consider “mottainai” when… 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 56% 53% Agree Neutral 23% 24% Grocery Shopping 26% Disagree 18% Clothes Shopping • Over 50% consider “mottainai” when spending money on necessities like food or clothes.

Survey Results 2 c “Mottainai” in terms of Luxury I consider “mottainai” when… 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 65% 46% 45% 35% 16% 20% Taxi (Money) 21% Taxi (Time) 27% 28% Agree Neutral Disagree Leisure Travel • Spending money on a taxi is a waste • Taking a taxi to save time garners neutral feeling • However, spending money or time on travel is not “mottainai”.

Survey Result 2 d Noetic Matters I consider “mottainai” when… 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 88% 67% Agree Neutral 18% Disagree 15% 6% Don't do your best 5% Miss a chance • Respondents overwhelmingly said it was “mottainai” to not do one’s best or miss a chance

Summary Of Question 2 Findings • Japanese take care not needlessly throw away objects. • Even everyday things hold an afterthought. • Money holds importance and each expenditure is taken into consideration, except leisure travel • Time is of greater or equal value to money • Doing one’s best and utilizing opportunities is important • Wasting one’s talents or a chance is shameful

Survey Results: Research Question 3 • How is mottainai used by different generations?

Survey Results 3 a Shopping: Who is likely to utter "mottainai”? 100 80 64% 52% 60 40 20 0 Parents Grandparents 23% 17% 6% 6% Grocery Shopping 13% 19% Siblings Friends Clothes Shopping • Parents are likely to utter “mottainai” when shopping

Survey Results 3 b Objects: Who is likely to utter "mottainai”? 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 54% 46% Parents 35% 29% Grandparents Siblings 20% 5% Throw away usable object 3% 9% Friends Leftovers • Parents and grandparents are likely to utter “mottainai” when there are leftovers or a still usable object is thrown away

Survey Results 3 c Noetic: Who is likely to utter "mottainai”? 100 90 80 70 49% 60 50 40 30 20 30% 42% 39% 36% Leisure Travel Parents Grandparents Siblings 16% 18% 10 0 46% Friends 5% 6% Not doing your best Losing a chance • Parents and friends are likely to utter “mottainai” when indulging in luxury or not taking advantage of opportunities

Survey Results 3 d Top 3 “Mottainais” 1 Students Non-students to 35 yrs Non-students 35+ yrs Taxi ($) Throwing away usable object Throwing away usable item Missing a chance/ Leftovers Not doing your best/ Leftovers Taxi ($)/ Not doing your best 2 3 Missing a chance Throwing away usable object/ Leftovers * All generations chose same top 3

Summary of Findings 3 • Who is most likely to say “mottainai” when dealing with money, things and noetic situations? * Grandparents: Things * Parents: Money, Things, Noetic * Friends: Money, Noetic • What does each generation hold important? * Postwar: Not wasting things * Bubble: Not wasting things * Post- Bubble: Not wasting money • There is no real difference among the generations when it comes to the top 3 among 10 different situational context that Japanese people identify as “mottainai”.

Conclusion • “Mottainai” can be used in different contextual situations e. g. love, looks and personal achievement, but mostly used for throwing away usable objects, missing an opportunity and having leftovers • Each object, no matter how mundane, holds importance and should not be carelessly wasted. • When living life, Japanese people think about how to take every opportunity and use knowledge to the fullest extent. • However, happiness is ultimately the most important, so every experience leading up to it is valuable (not “mottainai”) regardless of direct effect • When all the data is analyzed, each generation pays attention to different aspects of the concept: * Postwar: Physical * Bubble: Physical and Noetic (but weaker) * Post- Bubble: Noetic

Discussion Limitations - Unequal number of respondents per generation - Mostly polled people who currently live in Tokyo Future Study - Compare prefectural differences - Discuss foreign influences (e. g. half Japanese; those who live(d) abroad) - Compare with western countries My Definition of “mottainai” - Appreciate yourself and everything you interact with - Don’t take for granted opportunities in life and love, and don’t take for granted beauty and simplicity in nature and the world

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Acknowledgments • Dr. Shigeko Sekine and Dr. Yoshiko Saito-Abbott, for the teaching me Japanese and guiding me during this capstone ordeal • Masaki Iwai, for everything. • Kanako Kato, for always supporting me and helping to distribute my survey in Japan. • My friends at Rocks in Tokyo, for letting me use their names in my stories and encouraging my Japan studies. • My parents, for supporting me when I came out as a Japanese major. みなさん、おつかれっす！